Thursday, February 24, 2011

The following is a big, ol' bunch of speculation...and will most likely be shot down by this evening.... but it's too much fun not to share. :)

OK so thanks to Carla... I have come across an article about a film being scheduled for this summer in the Scottish Highlands.

Apparently, everyone up there thinks it's a remake of Highlander... and they think Kevin McKidd is starring in it.

COMMA mother-blanking HOWEVER....

....that doesn't sound quite right to me.

Here's what we know: Ann Peacock - writer of the Kit Kittredge screenplay and the original Chronicles of Narnia screenplay - is writing the screenplay for Outlander. We knew this wayyyyyy back in early October when Diana "Herself" Gabaldon confirmed it at ComicCon in NYC.

Here's what else we know: Melissa Rosenberg - writer of the Twilight series screenplays - has agreed - or is still in negotiations - to write the screenplay for a Highlander remake (I know, Christopher, I know... THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!! Shhhh... there now...poor dear) and it's rumored that Kevin McKidd will star.

What I find interesting about all of this is that I searched all over IMDB and am not finding much about a Highlander remake... but that's neither here nor there.

What IS here AND there is that there is possibly a finished OUTLANDER screenplay... and only a planned HIGHLANDER screenplay.

I don't want to be a Hysteric or an Alarmist or a flat-out Gossip Monger here...

But you do the math.

What is REALLY going on in the Highlands? They are talking about an August/September shoot in Scotland (Claire traveling... Leoch...Lallybroch) and an October/November shoot in Europe - aka somewhere cold with possible snow ( Wentworth! Wentworth! Wenworth! Oh and that other place, what's that called...oh yeah FRANCE... as in the Abbey. Need I speculate more?)

So that's where Tracey and I are this afternoon. In speculation heaven.

OK so I saw Karen's post on Outlandish Observations this AM which contains a really cool video of a redheided Scot putting on a kilt and demonstrating 18th century weaponry.... and realized I am SO BEHIND on posting links.

THIS is very cool... it's the Kinnaird Lighthouse and Castle that was built for the Fraser family in the 16th century. Thanks to Marci for the link!

THIS is a page on a Celtic Traditions website that talks about Inbolc - the Feast of Bride. Also sent in by Marci who reminded me that Jamie "always prays to Bride".

THIS is a fun post over at Blue Moon Magnolia that talks about casting for Jamie Fraser. Thanks to Carla for sending it in!

THIS is a wonderful article about Alexander McCall Smith who has joined the campaign for a visitor centre to commemorate the Battle of Prestonpans. Make SURE you view the gorgeous tapestry. You may just shed a tear.

And lastly - check out the Red Hot Chilli Pipers - sent in by Kathy (and Shannon has mentioned them too!) They rock. Watch their video... it's verra cool because you can hear them talk. And lordddddd we love to hear them talk.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

I really don't appreciate you acting like such a neanderthal regarding Claire's request to work at L'Hôpital des Anges. What do you think this is, the 18th century? Wait... nevermind.

And so she waxed her legs and pits. Is it really such a big deal? I'm thinking "No" and that you should be happy to have such a forward-thinking lady by your side. YOU wanted her to stand out, did you not? Well... boyfriend... she followed orders and is now standing out and hanging with the Paris elite. So deal.

OH and furthermore, I need you to be cool with her working at L'Hôpital because "Hullo, wee dog" is one of my favorite scenes in the whole bloody series, mmmmkayyyy? So please hurry up and get there. Well, I suppose I need to hurry up and hurry up and get there. Um... yeah.

Sooooo...thank you for your time and consideration (and gorgeous mass of red hair.)

Respectfully yours,
Carol
PS - Wait until you meet Mother Hildegarde. She reminds me of Sister Rafael from Archbishop John Carroll High School for Girls back in the 80s. I still have nightmares. "What...is a RHOMBUS??"

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

OK y'all - so get over to stuff.co.nz and check out this article about Sandra Monk. Ms. Monk apparently makes miniature models... and recently made one based on OUTLANDER!!

Working on a 1:12 scale model of a medieval mill, Ms Monk said it is influenced by Diana Gabaldon's historical romance Cross Stitch in which the heroine journeys back in time from her 1943 life as a nurse, to the early 18th century, where her skill and knowledge brings help and comfort to those in need.

In this medieval mill the two floors reflect the miller's two personas. Upstairs is the "switched-on" woman of 1943; downstairs, the 1743 apothecarist's dispensary.

I am DYING to see this. Dying. And it's in New Zealand. And I live in New Jersey. And do you know where that is? That is one heckuva long way from New Zealand...I'll tell you that.

For all of you New Zealanders, it's going to be on display in April... the info is in the article!

Sooooo.... since I canna see it in person, I emailed the website that hosted the article and asked if they took any photos (doubt it because they'd most likely be shown) or if they could give me contact info for Ms. Monk so I could contact her myself and beg to see some photos and maybe - with her gracious permission - put them on the site.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Ooooh - check out this article at Examiner.com regarding what to read for Valentine's Day. Our very own Outlander is mentioned... but also a book I am now considering reading. Check out what Jesse Coffey has to say about Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning:

"the first of a series of Highlander tales with a little Celtic mythology thrown in for good measure. And with anything Scottish born in the highlands being really hot right now, you can't go wrong with this one. The main character of Hawk is being urged to marry but no woman has ever tickled his fancy--until Adrienne is whisked out of her time and drops in his world. Definitely a page turner. And if you can't find that one specifically, try one of the other six in the series. They're all romantically spectacular!"

We were just talking about "what romance to read next" last night in chat... so I'm happy to have the suggestion!!

Monday, February 7, 2011

1) Great Outlander chat tonight - thanks to everyone who came out! Especially Lesley from the UK who came at 2:30 AM!!!

2) Chat will be canceled next week - Monday, February 14th.

3) A bunch of us were discussing Twilight tonight... and I came across one of the more amusing posts from My Twilight Purgatory. If you are a Twilight fan and you saw the Eclipse film, you may find yourself having a little giggle. This blog post is based on commentary from Tracey, our cousin Jenn D and myself... on our way home from seeing Eclipse (for the 2nd or 3rd time)... and I just laughed heartily out loud whilst re-reading it.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

My Outlander Purgatory friend, Jackie, sent in this fabulous song - "Pog aon oidhche earraich" - by a band named Runrig from Scotland. It's absolutely beautiful. Make sure you head on over to youtube and listen to more of their songs, too!